Hassan Alnuwaysir has been embracing challenges his entire life.
Born and raised in Saudi Arabia, Alnuwaysir was among a select group of students who were eligible for a university scholarship from the King Abdullah following high school. The qualifications included having a 90 percent average, as well as passing two qualification tests with a mark of at least 80 percent in both.
Alnuwaysir surpassed both requirements and was given different options as to which post-secondary institutions he was eligible to attend. He ultimately chose Dalhousie because of their strong science program, but also due to the fact that Halifax reminded him of home.
“Halifax, I can say [I chose], because it’s a small city and it’s similar to my hometown. I can live in it because it’s a quiet place and isn’t a crowded or industrial city,” Alnuwaysir said.
Alnuwaysir made the move to Canada for the 2015-16 school year, becoming the first person in his family to go overseas to study.
The transition was difficult at first for Alnuwaysir, who was leaving behind all 13 of his siblings, as well as a number of close friends.
“The people here, I’ve known them for just one year so I sometimes feel homesick, because I want to go back to Saudi Arabia,” Alnuwaysir said.
It didn’t take Alnuwaysir long to become comfortable in his new home however, quickly becoming immersed with both the Islamic Society in Bedford, as well as the Saudi student group at Dal.
During a break in his full-time studies in 2015-16, he immersed himself in a separate passion: soccer. Alnuwaysir was a gifted player back home, including being a member of the national team at just 17 years old.
After playing in the men’s second division this past summer, Alnuwaysir, a midfielder, expressed interest in joining Dalhousie’s varsity team for 2016-17 after seeing them practice one day.
At that time, head coach Pat Nearing and his staff had already completed their main camp featuring returning and recruited players, however they always hosted a two-day open tryout for walk-ons shortly afterwards.
Alnuwaysir impressed the staff during his tryout, and after seeing him practice for a couple days as well as competing in a scrimmage, he was added to the full roster.
His addition to the team wasn’t without its challenges originally. Alnuwaysir admitted that the language barrier was a struggle at first, as his coach back home was Arabic, along with his former teammates.
“I’d try to call the guys, but because I forgot their names I’d just be silent and if you could see me you could pass me the ball,” Alnuwaysir said.
Much like his past experiences though, Alnuwaysir overcame the adversity he was presented with – this time on the pitch – and has moulded into a promising player in the AUS. The fact that he’s started four consecutive games for a strong Tigers team is a testament to his growth as a player.
“He’s a very quiet but very happy guy,” says Nearing. “Everybody loves him, they love the way he plays.”
“He adds something to our team. If we could find an international student once a year like that, we’d be at the top of the heap in the country, really.”
Nearing, who has coached many Middle Eastern players in the past, compared Alnuwaysir’s style of play to that of Lionel Messi. That’s pretty high praise for a player who had minimal experience playing the English game when he made his Dalhousie debut.
“He turns quick, has quick feet, is a good passer and sees the field,” continues Nearing. “I think if he sticks around for four years, he’ll be a great player in this league.”